Drug agents arrest Bend 19-year-old, Xanax, gun seized
Central Oregon drug agents arrested a 19-year-old Bend man near an Old Mill fast-food restaurant Wednesday evening and later raided his nearby home, seizing more than 700 Xanax pills and an illegally obtained handgun, authorities said.
The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team learned late last month said Christopher Charles Deck had illegally obtained a handgun from an area firearm retailer, using a third person who bought it legally and then illegally transferred it to Deck – a so-called “straw purchase,” said CODE Team Lt. Nick Parker. One must be at least 21 to legally purchase a handgun, he noted.
During an investigation, CODE Team detectives also learned Deck was distributing large amounts of Xanax pills in Central Oregon, Parker said. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but abuse of the drug can lead to dependence, addiction and overdoses, the lieutenant noted.
Drug agents took Deck into custody without incident around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday near the Jimmy John’s on Powerhouse Drive in the Old Mill District, Parker said.
Around 11:40 p.m., CODE Team detectives executed a search warrant at Deck’s home in the 700 block of Southeast Pelton Place, seizing a 9mm handgun, more than 700 Xanax pills, digital scales, packaging material and cash, the officer said.
Deck was booked into the Deschutes County Jail on charges of drug delivery and possession and firearm transfers by unlicensed persons. He was released Thursday on his own recognizance pending a future court date, jail officers said.
